Introduction
Massey Ferguson 281 Utility Tractor
The Massey Ferguson 281 is a utility tractor manufactured between 1998 and 2000, designed for general agricultural operations. It belongs to the 200 series and offers configurations in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder Perkins 1004.42 diesel engine. With a displacement of 4.2 liters (256.3 cubic inches), it produces 75 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 2200 RPM. The engine utilizes a dry-type air cleaner and a thermostart pre-heating system for reliable cold-weather starting.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain features a sliding gear transmission providing 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Power is transferred through a 305mm dry disc clutch. The mechanical configuration includes power steering and mechanical wet disc brakes, along with a mechanical rear differential lock to enhance traction in challenging field conditions.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system features a pump flow rate of 9.5 gpm (36.0 lpm) at a pressure of 2500 psi, with a total system capacity of 11.1 gallons (42.0 liters). It is equipped with two valves. The rear PTO operates at 540 RPM and utilizes a live, two-stage clutch system, allowing for independent control of implement operation.
Hitch and Dimensions
The rear of the tractor is equipped with a Category II three-point hitch featuring both position and draft control, offering a lift capacity of 4908 lbs (2226 kg) at the ends. The tractor has a wheelbase of 90.2 inches for the 2WD model and 89.8 inches for the 4WD version, with a shipping weight ranging from 6350 to 6635 lbs depending on the drive configuration.
Conclusion
The Massey Ferguson 281 is a standard utility tractor designed for versatility in various farming applications. Its combination of a 75-hp Perkins engine, mechanical transmission, and Category II hitch makes it a durable choice for operators requiring a reliable machine for daily field work and implement management.
Production Information of Massey Ferguson, 281
- Utility tractor
- Original price was $21,100 in 1999
| Manufacturer | Massey Ferguson |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Massey Ferguson, 281
| 4WD Front tread | 55.7 to 75 inches [141 to 190 cm] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 90.2 inches [229 cm] |
| Height (ROPS) | 99 inches [251 cm] |
| Width | 79 inches [200 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 89.8 inches [228 cm] |
| 2WD Shipping weight | 6350 lbs [2880 kg] |
| Height (Folded ROPS) | 76 inches [193 cm] |
| Length | 153 inches [388 cm] |
| Rear tread | 56 to 84 inches [142 to 213 cm] |
| 2WD Front tread | 54 to 70 inches [137 to 177 cm] |
| Clearance (drawbar) | 14.2 inches [36 cm] |
| 4WD Shipping weight | 6635 lbs [3009 kg] |
| Ag front | 7.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 18.4-30 |
Engine Specifications of Massey Ferguson, 281
- Perkins 1004.42
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 256.3 ci [4.2 L] |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.055x5.00 inches [103 x 127 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 14.8 qts [14.0 L] |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Pre-heating | Thermostart |
| Power | 75 hp [55.9 kW] |
Transmission Information of Massey Ferguson, 281
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 305mm dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Massey Ferguson, 281
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Two-post folding ROPS.
- Mechanical wet disc brakes
- Power steering
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
|---|
Power Information of Massey Ferguson, 281
| Rear PTO | Live (two-stage clutch) |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Massey Ferguson, 281
| Capacity | 11.1 gal [42.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 9.5 gpm [36.0 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2500 psi [172.4 bar] |
| Valves | 2 |
Three-Point Hitch of Massey Ferguson, 281
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Rear lift (at ends) | 4908 lbs [2226 kg] |
Electrical System of Massey Ferguson, 281
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 420 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 35 |
Where it sits
With 75 HP, the Massey Ferguson 281 sits between 271 (65 HP) and 281XE (76 HP) in Massey Ferguson's range. Its power puts it in the 51th percentile of 1990s models in our database (2097 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Massey Ferguson 281 have?
The Massey Ferguson 281 delivers 75 HP.
What years was the Massey Ferguson 281 produced?
The Massey Ferguson 281 was produced in 1998-2000.
What engine does the Massey Ferguson 281 have?
The Massey Ferguson 281 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Massey Ferguson 281 use?
The Massey Ferguson 281 uses a Sliding gear transmission.
How much does the Massey Ferguson 281 weigh?
The Massey Ferguson 281 weighs 6350 lbs [2880 kg].
Is the Massey Ferguson 281 4WD?
The Massey Ferguson 281 is available in 2WD/4WD.